hey waazzap all:

i got a 98 c280 (bose system with 8 speakers AM/FM/Cassette) and i am thinking about getting something to play CDs in the car.

1) CD Changer or Headunit ?
2) Approximate cost?

thanks for the help

 

id go with headunit....alpine of course....i'd say anywhere around........$200-500...but if you dont car bout brand names, there is a headunit (JVC) bout $100

 

are you looking for sound quality? I'd go for the OEM cd changer if not. It's more convenient and you can find one relatively easy and plus it'll help the resale value of your car.

 

Why does everybody bash the Bose system???

 

for the time being, im just looking for something to play CDs that will match the sound quality of the stock bose system. later on i will get a class d amp and 10" sub

 

ya im not sure why either. i recently bought the 6 disc fiber optic changer for my c280. overall the sound quality is great! im sure its not the best sound system but it sure is a decent one! i love it.

anyways ricerokets4life, if you're looking for a way to play cd's i'd recommend the 6 disc changer from mercedes it'll probably run you under 300 from ebay, either that or buy a 300 dollar 6 disc changer from alpine that plays mp3s also, or buy a cdplayer headunit.. i personally prefer having a changer..

 

If you don't mind a little work, you can opt for an aftermarket head unit and install it yourself, cause most places won't do it. If you don't mind the stock system, I would opt for the CD changer. Better yet, for convenience, since you have a 98 model and it probably has audio 10 in it, go for a German spec Audio 10 with the in dash CD player and then get a fiber optic changer too.

 

i just bought an alpine chm-s620 off ebay for 100$ you can prob get it cheaper.

and a Peripheral MBZIL Alpine CD interface of the web for 69$ ive seen them sell on ebay for around 40$ but i dident want to wait.

works great using the OEM stereo.. and the best part is i just dropped the changer in the medical kit box fits perfect. ran the wire through the back and pulled it through a hole in the trunk that was already there.

the changer fits perfectly in there dosent even slide around.

 

I would be wary of that location. I've seen two changers die from being mounted there, probably from heat. Happens after a few months.

-s-

 

really ? damn ...

thanks ill plan on moving it then..

man now im gonna lose my cool little place for my cleaning supply storage ...

well is mounting it underneath the back shelf in the trunk ok ?

 

u can get this in dash cd player for ue C280, Mercedes OEM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2431347896

 

I have mine mounted under the rear shelf. It was originally installed 7 years ago and still works fine today.

 

so im confused, this isnt exactly OEM but is it worth it?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=39747

 

i say get the in dash cd player

 

isn't the installation for the cd changer easier than the headunit though? im lazy and never worked with car electronics before so i dont want to take any risks. plus, im cheap so going to a car audio store is a last resort.

so i narrowed the cd changer selections to the following:
1) Alpine CHM-S630 (i need an adapter and a bracket right?)
2) MBenz OEM

 

A Mercedes in-dash OEM CD player is easier to install than a changer. I see them on eBay all the time, and they're about the price of an Alpine changer.

-s-

 

The factory mounts CD changers both under the rear shelf and also behind the wheel well in the depression next to the trunk floor. That's where I added my factory changer, I didn't even bother with the bracket down there, I simply wrapped it with some padding and plugged it in - works perfect. BTW I got it on ebay.

 

since the main reason why i posted to get the cd changer was to keep your car OEM, i believe it would be even better to get one of Scorchie's OEM in dash cd players because if you do end up selling the car, the "aftermarket" head unit would not depreciate the value of the vehicle. so go with scorchie's head unit.

 

hmm, i heard from several people that the Alpine CD changer comes with a bracket. is this true?

 

tp was trying to sell his cd player. I was in the run for that but it went to high. You lucked out tp- that was the first time I saw a merc cd player go for that much on ebay. must be a good salesman

 

Nope. But I know where you can get a bracket for around $30.

-s-